6 Most Common Health Problems in Cats and Dogs

Having a pet is like having one more child – they require all your love, care, and timely treatment. You take a great fancy to your furry friend, and if they get ill, you start suffering, too. As a loving guardian, you want your pet to live healthily and happily as long as possible.

By getting educated on the most typical health problems in cats and dogs, you will be well-prepared to spot alarm symptoms and take the right measures to preclude the development of serious medical conditions in your fluffy bubba.

Diseases of the genitourinary system

The genitourinary system consists of a set of organs that form the urinary and reproductive systems, including kidneys, renal ducts, bladder, urethra, ovaries, testes, uterus, and prostate gland. Diseases of the genitourinary system generally have the following symptoms:

• bladder disturbances (either too frequent or absence of urination)
• painful urination
• hematuria (the presence of red blood cells in the urine)
• the presence of mucus and blood on the pet’s genitals
• excessive licking of the genitals
• sharp thirst
• abdominal pains (pain in the stomach area)

One or a combination of the above symptoms may indicate kidney disease (acute and chronic renal failure), bladder stone disease, inflammation of the bladder (idiopathic and infectious cystitis), inflammation of the urethra, inflammation of the uterus (endometritis).

Under the manifestation of the above symptoms, you must immediately contact a veterinarian to obtain qualified medical advice, perform necessary diagnostics, and get adequate therapy.

One of the best ways to mitigate aching symptoms of genitourinary system disorders is giving your animal good quantities of water. An increased fluid intake helps to improve urine production and reduce bad symptoms.

A nifty rule of thumb in averting diseases of the urogenital apparatus sticking to a balanced, healthy diet and avoiding giving your little furry guy too many proteins (too much protein may compromise renal function). A veterinary nutritionist will help you determine an optimal nutrition regime for your pet.

Intestine issues

The organs of the gastrointestinal tract include the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, bowels, and organs involved in the digestion of food (liver, gallbladder, pancreas). The most common intestine issues in cats and dogs include:

• inflammatory diseases of the food pipe: gastritis, enteritis, colitis, as well as non-inflammatory diseases: tumors, helminth infestation, protozoal infections
• pancreatitis
• pathologies of the liver and bile passages: fatty liver, inflammation of the gallbladder and its ducts

If you often play with your cat or dog, you may have noticed that these pets tend to swallow inedible objects. You must always stop your beast from doing so because a non-edible item can cause severe disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract.

The evidence that your pet may be suffering from gastrointestinal tract issues includes vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, the presence of blood and/or mucus in the stool, changed coloration of excrements, increased salivation.

Under the first signs of digestive system disturbances, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you cannot access a vet immediately, you want to restrict the animal in food – to keep him hungry for 10-15 hours, give an adsorbent, and provide access to fresh clean water.

To prevent diseases of the digestive tract and keep your pet healthy, it is important to:

• avoid abrupt changes in nutrition
• deworm your pet once or twice a year
• feed your pet with well-balanced, easily digestible food
• make sure the water your pet drinks is always fresh and of good quality
• never let your pet play with small uneatable things that can be easily swollen

Skin and fur diseases

The skin and fur in pets is a natural barrier that protects the body from the negative effects of an adverse environment. Along with protection, the skin performs thermoregulation, excretory, and receptive functions. Typical skin and hair conditions in our furry friends comprise:

• changes in the skin appearance, lesions, redness, weeping spots, swelling
• complete loss of hair in some areas (local baldness)
• excessive production of dandruff and/or sebum
• excessive shedding
• itching, the animal becomes restless, constantly scratches themselves

These signs can be both symptoms of either allergies or skin diseases, such as fleas, tick infestation, fungal infection, wounds or burns.

The treatment, prescribed by the vet doctor, will mainly focus on addressing the prime cause of the pathology and relieving symptoms.

Prevention of skin ailments includes regular treatment for parasites, preventing the pet from touching toxic substances and dangerous objects, and ensuring a balanced feeding.

If your kitty or doggy shows a tendency to skin or hair problems, it is in your interest to feed him with food that is rich in vitamin A and zinc, omega-3 and omega-6, and antioxidants (vitamins E and C) – these substances have a very positive effect on the skin health and promote quick skin cells regeneration.

Dermal diseases can be indicative of not only allergic reactions, but internal organ maladies, for instance, problems with the gut may translate into skin breakouts.

Dental illnesses

Just like humans, cats and dogs are subject to various oral and dental conditions, such as

• dental injuries: fractures, enamel chipping, thermal burns
• juvenile gingivitis – inflammation of the gums that occurs during the teeth changing process and can last for long
• periodontal disease is a non-inflammatory condition characterized by the occurrence of degenerative processes in the tissues around the tooth, exposure of the tooth root, and increased tooth mobility
• tartar deposit
• tooth resorption is or loss of dental hard tissue

Most often, diseases of the oral cavity are accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth, increased salivation, and bleeding gums.

Treatment is prescribed by a veterinary dentist after a thorough examination of the pet’s oral cavity (typically, under general anesthesia). Medical and diagnostic procedures may involve X-ray and ultrasonic cleaning of teeth.

To prevent pathologies of the oral cavity, you need to regularly brush your pet’s teeth with specialized toothpaste and use professional feeds that help to stave off dental plaque.

Obesity

A fat animal in a wild world is doomed. It cannot run fast either to save itself or chase a prey. But domestic pets don’t have to run for life, and owners often cram their fluffy companions down, trying to make them look cute. And make a big mistake by doing so.

The overgrowth of fat tissue gradually leads to a change in hormonal levels, an increased load on joints, ligaments, and cardiovascular system, and a decrease in physical stamina. Obese pets have an elevated risk of developing diabetes.

Moreover, if an obese animal suddenly starves for several days, he may develop hepatic lipidosis (this is especially true for cats and toy-breed dogs). This disease can end up with a fatal outcome.

Obesity is prevented by just sticking to a healthy diet with enough physical activity and avoiding over-feeding.

Infections

Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia

Both viral infections are notoriously known as distemper. Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia are characterized by a high mortality rate (90%). A sick animal develops mainly gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting (often with blood), body temperature rises, no appetite. Distemper affects all organs and leads to awful complications. Without immediate therapy, the animal can die in less than a week.

Calicivirus

It is a viral infection that commonly strikes cats and rabbits, but can also be an issue for dogs. This acute viral disease is accompanied by a sharp temperature increase and damage to the breathing passages. Kittens and young animals are more vulnerable to Calicivirus. Symptoms include fever, inflammation and erosion of the tongue, lips, and oral mucosa, rhinitis, conjunctivitis.

Rabies

Cats and dogs become mad after being beaten by a rabid animal. Once the first symptoms start manifesting, medical treatment is unlikely to help, the animal is doomed. There are two types of rabies syndromes: violent and quiet.

If it is violent rabies, the pet becomes extremely aggressive, attacks people and other animals. Interestingly that this all may happen in complete silence, the rabid pet does not make a sound. The animal fears water, eats inedible objects, reacts sharply to loud sounds and bright light, and salivates in big volumes.

In a quiet form of rabies, nothing evokes suspicions. The pet becomes very affectionate, even if he used to be unfriendly before. Saliva, as a rule, is also produced in visible volumes, albeit in smaller quantities compared to an aggressive form. Pets infected with a silent form of rabies look normal, which is why people might unconsciously get infected while playing with them. Often a person finds out about the illness too late. All rabid animals are euthanized and their bodies disposed of by incineration. Fortunately, rabies can be easily prevented by timely vaccination, which should never be neglected.

Treatment of infectious diseases in cats and dogs is a set of measures aimed at suppressing symptoms and stimulating the animal's immunity. If you notice the first signs, immediately limit your pet’s contact with other animals (ensure quarantine) and get in touch with your veterinarian. Do not self-medicate – it could cost your pet's life.

Periodic vaccinations are an extremely effective way to prevent infectious diseases in tame animals.